Before we begin: Atrial fibrillation (AF or AFib) is the most common type of arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). Read about symptoms and treatment.
This tutorial walks you through everything you need to know about atrial fibrillation. We explain it in plain language, step by step, so whether you are a student, a patient, or simply curious, you will come away with a solid understanding.
We cover what it is, why it matters, how it is diagnosed, and what you can do about it. Key facts are called out along the way.
What is atrial fibrillation (AFib)? Atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib or AF, is one of the most common types of arrhythmias. Arrhythmias are problems with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat. They can cause your heart to beat too slowly, too fast, or in an irregular way.
If you have AFib, your heart beats irregularly and sometimes much faster than normal. Also, your heart’s upper and lower chambers do not work together as they should. When this happens, the lower chambers do not fill completely or pump enough blood to your lungs and body. This can cause symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and a pounding heartbeat.
AFib may happen in brief episodes, or it may be a permanent condition. It’s very important to treat it, since AFib can put you at risk for stroke and other heart conditions.
What causes atrial fibrillation (AFib)? AFib is most often caused by changes to the heart’s tissue or the electrical signaling that helps the heartbeat. These changes can happen due to different conditions and factors, such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, congenital heart defects, infections, and aging. Sometimes the cause is unknown.
Who is more likely to develop atrial fibrillation (AFib)? Anyone can develop AFib, but there are certain things that raise your risk for it:
Aging. The risk of atrial fibrillation increases as you get older, especially when you are over age 65.
Family history and genetics. AFib can run in families. So can heart disease, which raises your risk of AFib.
Some lifestyle choices. Your risk is higher if you drink a lot of alcohol, use certain illegal drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamines, or smoke.
Having certain health conditions, such as:
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Heart failure
Heart valve diseases
Obesity
Hyperthyroidism
Chronic kidney disease
COPD and other lung diseases
Sleep apnea
Race. AFib is more common in people with European ancestry.
Recent surgery. You may be at risk of atrial fibrillation in the early days and weeks after surgery on your heart, lungs, or esophagus.
What are the symptoms of atrial fibrillation (AFib)? Some people who have AFib don’t have any symptoms and don’t know they have it. If you do have symptoms, you may only notice them once in a while. Or you may have symptoms that are more frequent. And in some cases, the symptoms might be severe. If you have heart disease, you are more likely to notice your symptoms. And those symptoms could get worse if your heart disease gets worse.
The symptoms of AFib can include:
Extreme fatigue, which is the most common symptom
Heart palpitations (the feeling that your heart is skipping a beat, fluttering, pounding, or beating too hard or too fast)
Trouble breathing, especially when lying down or when exercising
Chest pain
Dizziness or fainting
Low blood pressure
What other problems can AFib cause? If AFib is not treated, it can lead to serious health problems (complications) such as:
Stroke
Heart failure
Blood clots
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)
Cognitive impairment and dementia
To help prevent these problems, it’s important to contact your health care provider if you are having symptoms. If you do have AFib, the sooner you are diagnosed and treated, the better.
How is atrial fibrillation (AFib) diagnosed? To find out if you have AFib, your provider:
Will ask about your medical history, including your symptoms, lifestyle, and any other health conditions you may have
Will ask about your family history, to find out if you have relatives who have or had AFib
Will do a physical exam
May order blood tests
Will likely order heart tests, such as an electrocardiogram (also called an EKG or ECG) and echocardiogram
May ask you to wear a heart monitor device that records your heart’s electrical activity
What are the treatments for atrial fibrillation (AFib)? The treatments for AFib may include:
Blood thinner medicines that help prevent blood clots from forming.
Medicines to control your heart’s rhythm and rate.
Following heart-healthy lifestyle changes, such as:
Following a heart-healthy eating plan that limits saturated fats, salt, and cholesterol. An example is the DASH eating plan.
Limiting or avoiding alcohol, because it can increase your heart rate.
Aiming for a healthy weight.
Getting regular physical activity.
Managing stress.
Quitting smoking.
Procedures such as:
Electrical cardioversion, which restores your heart rhythm using low-energy shocks to your heart.
Catheter ablation, which scars the tissue that is causing the arrhythmia. The scar tissue blocks the abnormal heart signals.
Surgeries such as:
Surgery to put in a pacemaker to help control the arrhythmia.
A Maze procedure, which creates scar tissue in a maze-like pattern in certain parts of the heart.
Left atrial appendage closure, a surgery on a small sac in the muscle wall of your left atrium (the upper left chamber of your heart). It helps prevent blood clots and can reduce your risk of stroke. This surgery is for people who are not able to take blood thinners.
Can atrial fibrillation (AFib) be prevented? There are steps you can take to help lower your risk of atrial fibrillation, such as:
Making heart-healthy lifestyle changes:
Following a heart-healthy eating plan
Limiting or avoiding alcohol
Aiming for a healthy weight
Getting regular physical activity
Managing stress
Not smoking
Avoiding illegal drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamines
Taking antiarrhythmic medicine (medicine to treat arrhythmia) if you are having heart surgery
Treating any health conditions that could raise your risk of AFib
NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Also known as: AF, AFib.
Related topics: AF.
Categories: Blood, Heart and Circulation.
Source: National Institutes of Health — National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
Key Takeaways
Understanding atrial fibrillation is an important part of taking charge of your health. Here is what to remember:
- Know the signs — Recognizing early symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
- Talk to your provider — If you have concerns or a family history of this condition, bring it up at your next checkup.
- Stay informed — Medical knowledge evolves. Keep learning and asking questions.
- You are not alone — Many people deal with this condition. Support groups and educational resources can help.